THERE ARE many words that may be used to describe Arun Shourie; erudite, articulate, verbose, and controversial. He is all that. However, he is so much more. During our interview with one of India’s most familiar journalist, we asked—who are you really? “A doting slave to my son,” came the answer in a soft voice and with a steady smile. Shourie has always taken his familial role as his cardinal one. He has been there for his ailing and aged parents, and later for his parents-in-law. Despite being one of the most high-profile politicians, economists and journalists of India, it is his familial side that touches your heart the most when you meet the man face-to-face. He has been very vocal about his son’s condition and his wife’s fight with Parkinson in interviews and self-written articles. His account of gradually accepting his and his family’s fate in Does He Know A Mother’s Heart? is heart wrenching—but Shourie neither seeks nor desires your sympathy. Read up all you might or see all his interviews, when you are faced with the man and see his infinite tenderness, affection and love, while interacting with his son, the truth in his admission of being a “slave” hits you. Of course, he is a slave—as most parents are. They are a slave to their child’s smiles and tears–their actions governed by what is best for a child. People reflect the best of humanity often when they become parents as does Shourie when he candidly talks about his life with his son and wife. Within Shourie remains an analyst’s heart. But the fire-brand personality is a more mellow today. He is deeply introspective, but seems more content sitting, reading and taking notes in his brown and cozy study. Being physically closer to his family seems important. It was interesting to talk to the man who changed journalism by being a part of the Indian Express. Read his interview on Page XX. And for the rest of the pages, see our wonderful adventures in the most haunted places in India and meet danseuse Sharmistha Mukherjee. The daughter of the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, charmed us with her humility, humour and honesty. See how the nation’s most high-profile daughter feels about her father. Finally, a very good year to you. What’s on your DW wishlist? Do write to us and let us know.